WALKED THIS TRAIL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IVAN IN 2000-TO 2004, THEN IVAN PUSHED ALOT OF SALT WATER INTO THE FRESHWATER -GATOR LAKE, IT DID SOME DAMAGE TO THE ECO SYSTEM BUT I HAVE HEARD ITS BACK TO NORMAL, I AM FROM MOBILE AND LIVED IIN THE GULF SHORES AREA FOR 10 YEARS. I HAVE NOT HIKED THE BEACH TRAIL SINCE 2007 0R 2008 BUT ALL HAS RETURNED TO NORMAL FROM THE PICS I HAVE SEEN. I LOVE THE PRIVATE BEACH DOWN FROM GATOR LAKE, ..IF YOU WANT A GREAT PLACE TO LAY OUT AND SWIM IN PRIVATE TAKE THIS TRAIL, YOU MAY SEE AN OCCASIONAL HIKER BUT THATS ALL, BEFORE IVAN GATOR LAKE HAD SOME GOOD FISSHING, NOT SURE NOW

This was a great hike and provided a very different experience than a forest or woods trail. But the last quarter mile or so was very sandy which made for a fairly strenuous hike that led to a secluded beach. There were 2 side trails off this trail. Gator lake trail was a strenuous mile long and very sandy. But the Centennial trail was easier and extremely enjoyable. All the trails are out and back and total 11 miles round trip

Was enchanted by this very different (when you think of hikes/trails you think of forest and mountains automatically) walk. It was sublime. So much diversity in scenery and vegetation with a wonderful isolated beach finish. Two days later I did the Centennial trail that is just off of Pine Beach Trail for 6 miles (when you also do Jeff Friend). Outstanding trails.

There are four trails in this refuge. I've hiked Pine Beach and Gator Lake. March is a great time to go especially if you enjoy photography without the annoyance of crowds invading your shot. Trails are short and easy with some stunning scenery along the way.

Beautiful trail! Very easy walk on the sand road. But if you are going here you need to put on a ton of high DEET bug-spray and probably a long sleeved shirt and pants. But it's a very nice trail with some good ponds and animals to see.

Nice walk on Pine Trail from Parking out through beach dunes and associated overgrowth, path is easy except the soft beach sand will wear on your legs. Potty has been added about half way from the road to the beach, nice convenience. Walked back on Gator .Lake Trail out to road connecting back to Parking. Few sea shore birds, butterflies, no gators :) , a little late in the season I think. Gulf water was sparkling clear and temp was ok once you got wet, fun days outing to the sea.

Good trail but way too short. it doesn't take anywhere near an hour and a half to be honest. an hour at the most. I have to do the entire trail at least twice for it to really be worth the drive. however if you are not an experienced hiker and do not want anything too challenging it's perfect for you.

Pros:
1. you get to see some interesting wildlife. many plant and bird species, several species of insects, lizards and frogs. the highlight for me is seeing a cotton mouth on one visit and on another some type of water snake nearly as long as I am tall.
2.The views are absolutely brilliant.
3. you get to see maritime forest, swamp, lake, lagoon and beach in less than an hour

Cons:
1. In busy season it is over crowded by tourist. I enjoy hiking for solitude and that kind of defeats the purpose. also it's not convenient if you need to strip off your cloths off and pee in the woods. it also tends to scare off the snakes and other wildlife.
2. it says foot traffic only but there is one elderly lady who drives her car down the trail on nearly every visit. she honks her horn at me and then waves. it's very rude yet she justifies it with the waving. That's not what you typically think of when you hear the word "nature reserve".
3. it's not a long enough or challenging for my liking

The bottom line: Great for beginners, over crowded in summer time, not the least bit challenging, if not crowded you get to see beautiful snakes and other wildlife and watch out for cars (even though the sign says "For foot traffic only".) .

A beautiful hike past marsh, sand, a lovely lagoon, and a reward of the least touched beaches in Alabama. It's always been clean and very swimmable when I've done this trail. The lagoon has had sting rays at the shore both times I've done the trail. There's a viewing deck at the half-way mark that gives you a nice rest and a great vista of the surrounding area. It helps to look West--away from the condos and tall beach houses that "litter" the area. The walk is easy and hits sand for a bit towards the end. Go for the whole day in the summer or just for the hike in fall and spring. You're promised seclusion and a peaceful beach experience.